Holly Willoughby is set for a major comeback as she's tipped to host Strictly Come Dancing, taking over from Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
Holly Willoughby Plots Revenge Comeback As She's Set to Replace Claudia and Tess on Strictly Come Dancing
Industry sources today highlight Holly Willoughby as a leading candidate to host BBC's Strictly Come Dancing starting next year. The 44-year-old TV star could replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, who plan to step down after the current series ends on Christmas Day.
Willoughby's potential return follows a challenging period. She departed ITV's This Morning in October 2023 after 14 years, amid scrutiny over co-host Phillip Schofield's departure. Her recent Netflix project, Celebrity Bear Hunt with Bear Grylls, aired earlier this year but won't return for a second season. ITV's decision to rest Dancing on Ice in 2026 now opens her schedule for new opportunities.
The speculation traces back to 2023, when her name first surfaced for the role. Her husband, producer Dan Baldwin, collaborates with the BBC on key weekend programs, providing her with connections to decision-makers.
Former BBC One controller Peter Fincham recently fueled the rumors in the Daily Mail. He cited a network insider via an unusual channel. "My hairdresser also cuts the hair of a well-known channel controller… he says with great confidence that Holly Willoughby will take over," Fincham shared.
Early discussions favor pairing Willoughby with Bradley Walsh. The two shared screen time on ITV's Play to the Whistle from 2015 to 2017 and tested a 2019 pilot that almost became a series. At 66, Walsh draws viewers from quiz fans of The Chase to younger audiences via the Gladiators reboot. This combination could refresh Strictly's format for 2026.
Other contenders include Zoe Ball, who voiced her enthusiasm last week. The 54-year-old, a Strictly runner-up in 2005 and former host of spin-off It Takes Two, called the position appealing during a podcast. "It would be amazing," she said.
Winkleman, 53, and Daly, 56, have hosted together since 2014, creating memorable moments through their rapport. They agreed last November to exit as a team, informing BBC executives while keeping details private until this fall. Their farewell will mark the end of an era, with series 23 launching in autumn 2026 under new leads.
Holly Willoughby dazzles on the red carpet, turning heads with her glamorous style and effortless elegance.
Financial Angle: Unpacking the Earnings Boost and What It Means for Fans
Landing the Strictly role would steady Willoughby's finances after her This Morning exit, where she earned about £730,000 annually. Her income now spans her Wylde Moon lifestyle brand, production work with Baldwin, and endorsements in beauty and fashion.
In simple terms, this move taps into "brand equity"—the extra value a presenter's fame adds to a show and their personal deals. A high-profile gig like Strictly raises visibility, which often leads to more lucrative partnerships. Hosts Winkleman and Daly reportedly earned £150,000 per series each, per media estimates. For Willoughby, it could mean similar pay plus a jump in endorsement rates, as seen with peers who gain 20% or more in deal values post-major shows.
Viewers benefit too. Her heightened profile might accelerate Wylde Moon releases, like wellness items under £50, with promotions tied to the show. This keeps prices accessible while brands compete for her endorsement. Recent data shows celebrity-linked social posts can lift product interest significantly, encouraging quicker discounts or bundles for fans.
On the broader side, the BBC invests in stars like Willoughby to hold steady ratings—around 5.5 million for the 2025 launch show, despite past dips. It secures the program's future without hiking license fees. For her career, multi-year deals reduce uncertainty from paused formats like Dancing on Ice.
The takeaway? If you follow Wylde Moon for everyday self-care, sign up for alerts now. A Strictly tie-in could spark exclusive drops with introductory savings around 15-20%, based on how host announcements have driven quick sales spikes for similar brands in the past. This positions you ahead of the rush, blending her success with smart, timely buys.
Holly Willoughby beams on the Dancing on Ice set, bringing her signature charm to the hit ITV show.
Spotlight Queries: What Fans Are Asking About Holly's Next Steps
What Is Holly Willoughby's Net Worth in 2025?
Estimates place Holly Willoughby's net worth at £12 million this year, driven by TV earnings, her brand, and investments.
Will Holly Willoughby Host Strictly Come Dancing in 2026?
Reports position her as the top choice after Winkleman and Daly's departure, with BBC talks advancing for the 2026 series.
Who Could Co-Host Strictly with Holly Willoughby?
Bradley Walsh leads as her potential partner, leveraging their history from ITV projects, though options like Zoe Ball remain in play.
| Fast Facts — Holly Willoughby’s Strictly Come Dancing Comeback | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Holly Marie Willoughby |
| Age | 44 (born February 10, 1981) |
| Profession | Television presenter, model, producer, businesswoman |
| Famous For | Hosting ITV’s This Morning, Dancing on Ice, and Celebrity Juice |
| New Role Rumoured | Host of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, replacing Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly |
| Revealed By | Former BBC One Controller Peter Fincham (via Daily Mail columnist Richard Eden) |
| Current Net Worth | Estimated £10 million (2025) |
| Last Major Role | Netflix’s Celebrity Bear Hunt with Bear Grylls (2024) |
| Industry Insight | BBC sees move as strategic to strengthen its Saturday-night lineup after ITV’s recent shake-ups |
| Financial Angle | New Strictly contract could lift annual income beyond £1 million — positioning her among Britain’s top-paid TV presenters |
